Civil Registry

Legal Information and Requirements

Age & Parental Consent

The minimum legal age for getting married is 16 years in UK.
The written consent of your parents/legal guardians is required if you are under 18 years of age in England, Wales and Northern Island.   A consent form, provided by the registrar, will be required to be completed by the parents.
If your Parents/Guardians are not resident in the UK then their signature will have to be witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths, a Consular Office or a notary member of the public.
For further information contact the registrar in the relevant district.

Location of Marriage

Marriage in England and Wales can take place :

• A District Register Office
• A church or chapel of The Church of England or Church of Wales
• An approved building - approved by the local authority under procedures dictated by the Marriage Act 1994
• A Naval, Military or Air Force chapel 

Notice to the Superintendent Registrar

You must give notice in person.
15 Day notice period must be given.  (for example if notice given on 1st May you can not get married until 17^th May).
Must have resided for at least seven days immediately in the registration district before giving notice.   If you both live in the same registry district then you must both attend together.
Documents to provided evidence of name and age and nationality,

• Passport
• Birth Certificates
• ID Cards, etc.

If you have previously been married then you will be required to provide proof of termination of the marriage by:

• Decree of Absolute giving evidence divorce
• Death Certificate
• Or nullity  

A prescribed fee is payable (the superintendent registrar of district will provide you with these details), these are usually between £100-£150.

How far in advance can I give Notice

A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months.

Certificate of Authority to Get Married

You will be issued with a certificate and this will be required in order to get married.   If you are getting married at a different register office to the district you have given the notice, then you will need to collect your Certificate of Authority so that you can give it to the registrar that is solemnising your marriage.   If you request then this can be posted to you or to the venue of where the wedding is to take place.

Licensed Venue

Under the Marriage Act 1994, you may have your civil ceremony at a licensed/approved building.  However, no religious content is allowed.  It is possible to have your own choice of non-religious music, poetry and readings and for the ceremony to be photographed and videoed.  In addition to the statutory declaration and contracting words, you may also add your own vows.

Marriages at the venue can be solemnised between 8am and 6pm (including Sundays, Public and Bank holidays).